A woman accused of the attempted murder of a man in Keady – revealed in court to be her husband – has been granted bail, despite police concerns of a risk of flight.
The district judge told court: “This defendant in the past was a victim of domestic violence. On this occasion she stabbed her husband during the course of a confrontation. This she claims was in self-defence.”
Bridget Sharon Mongan, 25, of Garna Place in Dublin, appeared facing the single charge at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where she appeared via videolink from Hydebank.
Defence barrister Justin Byrne said that a bail application was being made on the defendant’s behalf, with an address in Fintona being provided by her cousin.
A constable stated: “In relation to the original address provided – the crime scene – we spoke with the Housing Executive and they deemed it not suitable.
“After checking the new address, police have no issues with access to the property or the location. Objections are purely on the presence of a six-year-old and a five-year-old at the address.”
District Judge Steven Keown commented: “This defendant in the past was a victim of domestic violence. On this occasion she stabbed her husband during the course of a confrontation. This she claims was in self-defence.
“Why then is the presence of children at this bail address seen as a difficulty?”
The constable stated: “It is our instructions, always to object to bail in cases of domestic offences if there is a child present at the proposed address.”
He added: “There is also objections on risk of flight. The address which she gave police in Dublin was checked and found to be a B&B. She is a member of the Travelling Community and her two children are with her parents in Dublin.
“There is a fear that if she were released she would return to the Republic. She also goes by two different names, although these have now been combined, there is a fear she would assume another identity.”
Mr Byrne said: “Her mother is prepared to have a £1,500 cash surety lodged. This is a case in which she gave a full account to police, not one in which no comment was made during interview.
“The complainant in this case is also now in custody on foot of a bench warrant, which had been issued at Strabane Magistrates’.”
The constable stated: “This is true, his address which was also in Dublin was checked by Garda and was found not to exist.
“He is currently in Maghaberry for a case in which the defendant in this case is the complainant.”
District Judge Keown commented that he was minded to grant bail with certain conditions attached.
Mongan was released on her own bail of £500, with a £1,500 cash surety to be lodged.
Conditions of the bail included that she observe a curfew between the hours of 10pm and 8am, is to have no contact with the alleged injured party or witnesses, a prohibition on leaving the jurisdiction, is fitted with an electronic tag and she is to sign bail three times a week with police.
The case was adjourned until March 25 for an update on a full file.
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